Federal SNAP Funding Cuts Threaten Multiple States, Shift Costs to Local Budgets

Proposed federal budget changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would shift more funding responsibilities to states and extend work requirements to older adults, potentially straining state budgets and reducing benefits for vulnerable populations. States like South Dakota and New Mexico face significant financial burdens, with South Dakota estimating up to $14 million in additional costs and New Mexico potentially losing $290 million in SNAP funding, forcing them to consider cuts or tax increases. New Mexico leaders and advocacy groups express concerns that these cuts would exacerbate food insecurity, especially among children, the elderly, and low-income families, while also threatening rural hospitals due to Medicaid funding cuts. The changes could force states to reduce or eliminate SNAP benefits, with one million older adults aged 55 to 64 potentially losing aid if they cannot meet extended work requirements. The shifting of administrative costs and elimination of SNAP education programs further compound these challenges, raising fears about increased hunger and negative ripple effects on other social services. Lawmakers and community leaders emphasize the widespread consequences of these cuts, warning that even those not directly receiving benefits will feel the impact.